Of all the big dates we celebrate across the year, days like April 22nd don’t often get a lot of love. But, as you’ll soon find out, this day has a lot to celebrate and plenty of reasons why you’ll want to remember it (whether or not it’s already a special occasion for you). Here’s everything you need to know about April 22nd!
On this day
1Pedro Álvares Cabral made an important discovery.
Back in the year 1500, Pedro Álvares Cabral was the first European to declare having discovered Brazil. His ship landed near Monte Pascoal, and, of course, he claimed the land for Portugal. The rest, as they say, is history… at least, it’s worth reading into!
2Henry VIII became king.
On April 22nd, 1509, the notorious English king, Henry VIII, ascended to the throne. He became king at age 17 following his father’s death, Henry VII. Henry VIII is known as one of England’s most hedonistic monarchs, and, of course, for having married six times (effectively inventing divorce in England to do so!).
3Edward Bishop was jailed.
On April 22nd, 1692, Edward Bishop was jailed during the Salem Witch Trials. He was imprisoned for suggesting that flogging was a cure for witchcraft. Not nearly as bad as what they did to the women, but at least he was punished! Thankfully, we live in more enlightened times (in some ways)!
4Babe Ruth joined the pitch.
In 1914, Babe Ruth played his first professional game as a pitcher! The game was a steal, with a 6-hit, 6-0 win. He’d go on to be one of the most iconic names in baseball – to the point where, even if you don’t know much about the sport, you might recognize his name!
5Barbara Walters made history.
In 1976, Barbara Walters became a broadcast journalist. She was, in fact, the first-ever female US nightly network news broadcaster!
6Johnny Carson made a big announcement.
In 1991, Johnny Carson made the big announcement that he would be retiring from The Tonight Show the next year. The show remains a hit today, currently hosted by comedian Jimmy Fallon.
Special Days Falling on April 22nd
April 22nd is as much about the celebrating as it is about the remembering. And, with that in mind, here are some of the best national holidays you can honor today!
National Jelly Bean Day
Jelly Beans are those classic candies we all loved as kids and still occasionally (or relatively frequently) enjoy chewing on to this day! Jelly beans are still so popular, they even have their own special day! So, eat as many as you want this National Jelly Bean Day (but don’t forget to share with others and play nice)!
National Girl Scout Leader’s Day
For millions of us, being in the girl scouts was an important part of our childhoods. Even to this day, it’s a great movement for helping kids make friends and learn life skills! This National Girl Scout Leader’s Day, you could celebrate by reaching out to your old leader or looking into how you could support your local scouts.
National Earth Day
Of course, April 22nd is also known as National Earth Day – a day that we take to celebrate and appreciate all this beautiful planet has to offer. But it’s also a day to learn more about what threatens our planet and what we can all do to make a difference! We only get this one Earth, let’s treat her right – turning off electrical appliances when you’re not using them is a good start!
This month in history
President Franklin D. Roosevelt died. FDR, famous for his Alphabet Agencies, died while in office in 1945, leaving his Vice President, Harry S. Truman, to take the lead post-war. FDR is fondly remembered for many reasons – and did you know he hid his need for a wheelchair for several years?
Famous Birthdays on April 22nd
- Isabella I of Castile, Queen of Castile, born 1451
- Robert Oppenheimer, American theoretical physicist, born 1904
- Jack Nicholson, American actor, born 1937
- Mike Buck, American NFL player, born 1967
- Vernell “Bimbo” Coles, American NBA player, born 1968
If you were born on April 22nd…
…you’re a Taurus! You’re strong-willed, reliable, and a very dedicated person. This makes you ideal as a leader and a great friend to have!
Find out more about this tenacious star sign at our Taurus facts page!
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